"Her strength and determination is amazing": Lewis Hamilton applauds Celine Dion's performance in the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony

Lewis Hamilton recently shared his praise for Canadian singer Celine Dion's sensational return to the stage in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony. The seven-time world champion posted an Instagram story about her performance.

Back in December 2022, Dion disclosed that she was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder in which a person's muscles become rigid. She also disclosed that she experienced various symptoms over the years, but did not understand what was their root cause. For years, the Canadian was diagnosed under Dr. Amanda Piquet.

The 56-year-old singer gradually found the strength and voice to make her return to the stage at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony. This was her first live performance since early 2020.

She sang Édith Piaf’s Hymne à l’amour on the Eiffel Tower in front of millions of fans. With the Olympic rings above her, Dion gave a moving performance of the 1950 classic on Friday night, accompanied by a pianist.

Lewis Hamilton praising Celine Dion's performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony (Image via Instagram/@lewishamilton)

Among several celebrities, Hamilton also hailed Dion and her return to the stage on his official Instagram stories. He praised the strength and determination that she displayed during her performance.

"For @celinedion to get back on stage and do this is just incredible after all she's been through. Her strength and determination is amazing. Love you @celinedion."

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Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen on whether F1 should be included in the Olympics

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen both echoed similar opinions when asked about whether F1 should be included in the Olympics.

Since the sport was born in 1950, it has never featured in the Olympic Games. Interestingly, two of the most successful F1 drivers on the current grid were not too keen on the idea either.

Speaking to the media, Hamilton felt that the single-seater motorsport series was not an "Olympic game".

“I just don’t think it’s an Olympic game,” Hamilton said (via Autosport).

Verstappen echoed his rival's thoughts when he was asked the same question. The Red Bull driver opined that F1 does not belong in the Olympics and explained that the sport's existing championship is already respected around the globe.

“No, it's not for me. It's too car related. You [drivers] didn’t grow up in that Olympic environment; I don't think we belong at the Olympic stage. And that's fine because we have our own championship, which I think is really well received,” Verstappen said.

When it comes to the drivers' standings in 2024, Hamilton is currently in sixth place with 125 points while Verstappen leads the table with 265 points.